People sometimes make fun of me for taking care of my cats’ teeth. They ask, “Why would you spend all that money to have their teeth cleaned? They’re just pets.” Well, they may be cats, but their teeth get just as dirty as humans’ teeth do. Imagine if we didn’t brush our teeth—not only would it feel pretty gross, it also wouldn’t take long for us to develop dental problems. Many pet owners think that they can’t do anything to maintain their pets’ teeth, but they’re wrong. There’s a lot of misinformation out there, and knowing the truth about your pets’ dental health can help you add years to their life.
Myth One: It’s Just Not That Important
In fact, the American Veterinary Dental Society estimates that more than 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats will develop gum disease before they’re three years old, because about two-thirds of pet owners do not maintain their pets’ teeth. At any age, plaque and tartar buildup on the surface of an animal’s teeth can cause gum disease, gingivitis, periodontal disease, abscesses, and other dental problems that can make a pet’s life miserable. If you have a purebred cat or dog, your pet’s teeth are particularly susceptible. Most vets recommend brushing a pet’s teeth at home every day and scheduling yearly cleanings at an animal hospital.
Myth Two: Dry Food Helps Keep a Pet’s Teeth Clean
It’s true that a pet’s diet is a big contributor to dental problems, and soft or wet foods tend to cause plaque buildup more quickly than dry food, but it’s wrong to think that dry food protects a pet’s mouth. Most cats and dogs don’t chew their food much, so there’s little opportunity for the dry food to successfully scrape the surface of their teeth clean, despite what food manufacturers claim. Special dental treats that require pets to chew and shred are beneficial for maintenance, but they can’t replace regular teeth cleaning.
Myth Three: Bad Dental Hygiene Causes Bad Breath Only
Although halitosis might be the most troublesome symptom for the owner, a pet feels much more painful effects of dental disease. Gingivitis can lead to swollen, tender gums that bleed easily. Advanced gum disease and periodontitis can lead to infections in the root of the affected tooth, eroding the socket and making the tooth loose. Trying to eat with wobbly, bleeding teeth is no fun for your pet. Just like in humans, the bacteria that multiplies when periodontal disease develops can eventually enter the body through abscessed teeth and open sores, traveling to organs like the heart, kidneys, liver, and lungs and causing other systemic infections, tumors, and diseases. Poor dental hygiene can take as many as five years off your pet’s life.
Dogs are particularly prone to tooth fractures, which can be very painful if the pulp is exposed. If these broken teeth aren’t treated, they can develop into abscesses or decompose in the dog’s mouth. Cats are susceptible to a particular kind of tooth decay called a feline odontoclastic resorptive lesion, or FORL. These “cat cavities” occur in 72 percent of cats over five years old; plaque wears through the tooth’s enamel, eating the tooth away from the inside. Expensive oral surgeries, orthodontics, root canals, or sealants won’t work in these cases; extraction is the only treatment for teeth that have reached this level of decay.
Myth Four: If My Pet’s Teeth Hurt, I’ll Know
Many pet owners are under the impression that dental disease will cause their pet to display obvious symptoms, like difficulty eating, increased drooling, sensitivity to touch, or bleeding gums. Actually, most pets show no signs at all. The only way to really tell what’s going on in your pet’s mouth is to look closely. Hold pets still and grasp them by the muzzle, forcing their mouth open. A veterinarian should check out inflamed gums, discolored teeth, and suspicious lesions or growths immediately.
Myth Five: It’s Hard to Keep a Pet’s Teeth Clean
It’s definitely easier to start from puppy- or kittenhood, but just about any pet can get used to regular teeth cleaning. Start by dipping a finger into water flavored with beef bouillon (for dogs) or tuna (for cats), and begin to gently massage your pet’s gumline. Once the pet is comfortable with having all his or her teeth touched and massaged, wrap a bit of gauze over your finger and continue rubbing the teeth and gums in small circles. When your pet is comfortable with the gauze, try a pet toothbrush, an ultrasoft brush that often fits on your fingertip. Use pet toothpaste flavored with meat or fish to clean the teeth, always focusing on the gumline and the outward-facing side of the teeth. (Pet teeth tend not to decay on the tongue side.) Never use human toothpaste or baking soda, as these can irritate an animal’s stomach. Sometimes it’s easier to wrap pets in a blanket to keep them still while you brush their teeth, at least until they learn to tolerate the experience. After the brushing is done, a well-deserved treat is in order.
Even with regular home brushings, professional cleanings are necessary. Vets can do ultrasonic scaling and cleaning, using instruments similar to those of human dentists. Vet tools can reach under the gums and scrape away plaque that is hard to find at home.
Myth Six: Natural or “Anesthesia-Free” Cleaning Is Just as Good
A veterinary teeth-cleaning must be done under general anesthesia, and many pet parents are rightfully concerned about subjecting their pets to these medications. However, trying to clean pets’ teeth while they’re awake is inefficient and dangerous. When pets are squirming, it’s impossible to get a good enough look to examine their teeth, and what can’t be seen won’t get cleaned properly. Wiggling pets are also more likely to be injured by the sharp instruments. People who attempt anesthesia-free cleanings are usually not properly trained in veterinary care, so they have no way of diagnosing illnesses, taking X-rays, or performing any of the medical tests needed to determine the health of a pet’s teeth. There may be risks associated with anesthesia, but they’re small compared with the risks of entrusting your pet’s health to someone unlicensed and inexperienced in veterinary dentistry. Besides, if your pet has gingivitis, his or her teeth are bound to be sensitive … imagine how painful the dentistry would be without anesthesia. Who would want to subject their pet to that?
Our pets’ teeth are subject to many of the same hazards as our own teeth, and when we don’t take care of them, it shows. Although brushing a pet’s teeth may be a hassle (as well as a hazard, at first), it’s worth it to add so many healthy years to your pet’s life, as well as prevent expensive medical care down the road. I know my pets are worth five minutes per day, and I’d bet that yours are, too.